Elizabeth Cady Stanton (1815-1902)


Criticisms on American Society: Stanton was someone who was against women’s suffrage. She believed that all women deserved to be treated equally with men. Stanton was just not against women not being able to vote but also women’s parental and custody rights, property, employment and income rights, divorce laws, the economic health of family, divorce laws, birth control and the temperance movement.
Methods to improve American life: Stanton wanted to improve the fairness towards slaves and women. She believed that the country would be a better place if everyone had equal rights. A quote from Stanton states, "The prejudice against color, of which we
hear so much, is no stronger than that against sex. It is produced by the same cause, and manifested very much in the same way." Overall Stanton was trying to create the equal balance between all people.
Success of Stanton: Stanton drafted a Declaration of Sentiments, which she read at the convention. Modeled on the United States Declaration of Independence, Stanton's declaration proclaimed that men and women are created equal. She proposed, among other things, a then-controversial resolution demanding voting rights for women. She also declined to support passage of the Fourteenth and Fifteenth Amendments to the United States Constitution. She opposed giving added legal protection and voting rights to African American men while continuing to deny women. Her position on this issue, together with her thoughts on organized Christianity and women's issues beyond voting rights, led to the formation of two separate women's rights organizations that were finally rejoined.

Intent of Goals Practical or Not: In the beginning of the women’s suffrage period, it was not seen by many people for women to speak out there opinions and have their voices heard especially on such a controversial topic. However, Stanton would not give up the fight for what she believed in. During this time, it became more frequent for women to speak out for what they believe in.

Federal Government to help advance goals: I think the government along with the president should help spread the message of equal rights towards women and slaves. I also think that they could stop the harassment put towards both groups. I also think that congress could pass a bill making it legal for women to vote and spreading the word of equal rights.


Bibliography:
1. Lewis, Jone. "Elizabeth Cady Stanton." ask.com Womens Rights. 2009. New York Times Company, Web. 6 Oct 2009. <http://womenshistory.about.com/od/stantonelizabeth/a/stanton.htm>.
2. Murphy, John. "Elizabeth Cady Stanton." Infidels. 2009. Internet Infidels, Web. 6 Oct 2009. <http://www.infidels.org/library/modern/john_murphy/stanton.html>.